Among the participants were Phan Dien, Politburo member and permanent member of the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee; Nguyen Khoa Diem, Politburo member, Secretary, and Chairman of the Ideology and Culture Commission of the Party Central Committee; Nguyen Van Son, member of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of its External Relations Commission; Huynh Dam, member of the Party Central Committee and Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; and Phung Huu Phu, member of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Hanoi. Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Bunthoong Sengkhammi was also present. 

During the meeting, Mr Phan Dien highlighted the significance of the foundation of the LPRP, the achievements the Lao people have obtained under the leadership of the LPRP, as well as the special friendly relations between the two Parties, States and people of Vietnam and Laos. 

He stressed that the special Vietnam-Laos relationship, solidarity and comprehensive co-operation were built by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane, fostered by Vietnamese and Lao Parties and peoples, and tempered in wars during which many heroes of different generations of Vietnamese and Lao people gave their blood and life. He said the exemplary, loyal and transparent relationship between the two countries is an important factor in ensuring the success of the revolutionary cause in each country, and also the valuable tradition and invaluable property of the two Parties, States and peoples. 

Vietnam is determined to do its best, together with Laos to preserve, develop and raise Vietnam-Laos relations to a new level; further boost the two sides' comprehensive co-operation on the principle of respecting each other's sovereignty, equality, and working for mutual benefit, he stressed. The two sides will also strive to give each other appropriate priority, raise the effectiveness of bilateral co-operation, enhance their strength for national construction and defence, and improve their prestige in the regional and international arenas, he said. 

Ambassador Bunthoong Sengkhammi thanked the Vietnamese Party and mass organisations and the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association for organising the historically significant meeting./.